DVGAs enable higher-performance basestation radio architectures

August 11, 2011 //
By Paul Buckley

National Semiconductor Corp., has introduced a pair of quad- and dual-channel, digital variable gain amplifiers (DVGA) that enable higher-performance wideband radio systems. The LMH6522 quad and LMH6521 dual DVGAs provide superior linearity performance over a wide frequency range, making them an ideal solution for the most challenging multi-channel wideband wireless systems.

Radio designers face the challenge of producing cost effective anti-alias filters (AAF) that meet the demanding requirements of today’s wider radio bandwidths. The flexibility to select from a range of filter impedance levels, including low impedance levels such as 50-Ohms, not only simplifies the AAF design, but also improves performance and manufacturability. National’s DVGAs are optimized for driving a wide range of load impedances. Their low-Z output drive delivers exceptional signal fidelity and provides the additional power gain needed when driving low impedance filters.

The LMH6522 and LMH6521 are well-suited for driving high-speed ADCs, including National’s ADC16DV160 dual 16-bit, 160 MSPS converter. In addition, the LMH6521 is ideal for driving National’s ultra-high-speed ADC12D500/800RF 12-bit, 500 MSPS/800 MSPS direct RF-sampling ADCs. By adding the LMX2541 frequency synthesizer and one of National’s family of LMK04800 or LMK04000 clock jitter cleaners, a designer can form a complete signal path.

Available now, the LMH6522 is priced at $9.85 and the LMH6521 is $6.15, both in 1,000-unit quantities.